Local photographer raises thousands for KGH

Lake Country based photographer Liz Soergel has created a beautiful coffee table book called Children of the Okanagan 2011 and in the process raised $12,000 for the neo natal ward at Kelowna General Hospital.

Each page features a different child, photographed by Soergel on location in the Okanagan this past summer.

“I’m really pleased with how this book turned out” said Soergel. “It’s a creative way I can contribute to the neo natal ward. Project donors can see beautiful pictures of their children included in the book and the KGH Foundation received donations for each participant, as well as revenue from the sale of the book.”

Soergel’s inspiration for the project came after the birth of her daughter Lauren. When Lauren was born, she inhaled amniotic fluid which makes breathing extremely difficult for newborns. It can result in death if not treated immediately. Soergel and her family were grateful to the doctors and nurses that saved Lauren’s life and want to make sure other families receive excellent care in the Okanagan.

“The neo natal ward in Kelowna cares for newborns that need level 2, or critcal care. Many newborns from all over the Okanagan and as far away as Calgary are treated each year.” said Sarah Nelems of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. “The Children of the Okanagan book is a fantastic way to support the children and families we serve”.

Soergel’s book has 103 children and each photo session focused on the child’s individual personality. Soergel waived the normal sitting fee but for each child photographed, a minimum $100 was donated to the children’s ward.